The debate in the plenary session of the Hellenic Parliament on PASOK’s proposal to set up an investigative committee into the wiretapping case and to examine the actions of the National Intelligence Service (NIS) began amid strong confrontation.

Following a vote, the procedural proposal put forward by New Democracy (ND) was approved by majority, meaning that the establishment of the inquiry committee must now be approved by an absolute majority of MPs, i.e. 151 votes.

At the start of the proceedings, Makis Voridis from the ruling party raised a preliminary objection, arguing—citing constitutional provisions—that approval for a parliamentary investigation into the activities of intelligence services requires 151 MPs, not 120 as the opposition claims.

The ND position sparked a strong reaction from the opposition, with Nikos Androulakis stating that the government is “abusing democracy to remain in power.” The PASOK leader launched a personal attack on the Prime Minister, calling him “the Nixon of Greece.”

“In a critical moment, Mr. Androulakis, have you considered who will hold up the three-digit number? I hope it will not be someone who does not respect confidentiality, as you did during the secret session (i.e. the Committee on Institutions and Transparency during the hearing of the NIS director). You have proven that you are unsuitable for any such role, especially when it concerns national security,” Makis Voridis responded.

Ultimately, PASOK’s parliamentary group withdrew from the procedure, with Nikos Androulakis stating: “We will not legitimize this theater of the absurd, and we will leave you alone on this slippery slope that becomes more dangerous for the country every day.”